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What speed is considered reckless driving in California?
I want to take a road trip along the Pacific Coast Highway, but I’m a bit limited on time when it comes to the actual driving part. I can handle a speeding ticket, but how fast is considered a reckless driving ticket in California?
Eric Schad · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Many people wrongly believe that a certain speed is considered reckless driving in
California
. According to the state’s law, however, it’s all up to the law enforcement’s discretion to determine a reckless driving charge. As a result, no specific speed is considered reckless driving in California.California Vehicle Code Section 23103 defines reckless driving as willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. Some examples of reckless driving are:
- Swerving across multiple lanes
- Street racing
- Going the wrong way down a one-way street
- Passing a stopped school bus
- Driving on a sidewalk
A reckless driving charge in California is a misdemeanor, which could result in:
- Jail time of up to 90 days
- Fines from $145 to $1,000
If you want to travel the Pacific Coast Highway on a tight schedule, consider doing a smaller stretch to avoid any infractions. Hopefully, you never get a speeding or reckless driving ticket—if you do, your car insurance rates are likely to increase. Of course, that’s where
Jerry
can help.Jerry is a licensed insurance broker and insurance comparison tool that collects quotes from over 50 top-rated insurers in minutes. You just pick your favorite and Jerry takes care of the rest saving its users an average of $887 per year.
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- Gregory R.
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